Oak Lawn Day Nursery

Early Childhood Academy Graduation

June 9, 2013 at 10:30AM

I am a mother of 3 boys.  My oldest began attending Oak Lawn Day Nursery in June 2006 at the age of 2.  I was a wreck just thinking of sending my beloved son to a daycare.  I had to work and therefore my son needed to attend a daycare.  But, Oak Lawn Day Nursery is not a daycare; Oak Lawn Day Nursery is a home-away-from-home for my boy then and my other 2 boys today.  Each of the teachers and assistants extend a gentle, kindred smile to my boys each and every time they enter and depart.  They know my boys.  They love my boys and it is evident in every assignment, every exercise, and every song they teach as God is at the center.  I am eternally grateful for the peace of mind they have afforded me as I head off to work.  When the director informed me that a kindergarten program would begin back in 2008, I was joyfully relieved to know that my son would be able to continue with his buddies and gifted teachers.  Beyond the loving environment, they educate my boys—academically and spiritually.  My younger 2 boys learned their shapes and colors by the age of 2.  My oldest entered 1^st grade prepared beyond expectation in reading and writing as well as math.  Today, my middle son will soon graduate from the Oak Lawn Day Nursery kindergarten program while my youngest will continue in preschool.  Oak Lawn Day Nursery is a gift to parents.  Oak Lawn Day Nursery is a blessing to me and my family.

Ana N. Chapa-Cruz

Manager, Patient Advocacy

Advocate Christ Medical Center

The curriculum utilized at OLDN is teacher created and follows the national standards for early childhood learning as well as the common core standards for academic achievement.  An emphasis on Early Childhood reading readiness is presented in every classroom with strategies and curriculum that follows the National Reading Panel and the International Reading Association's guidelines.  Teachers have been trained in reading specialties that include phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary.  In addition to reading readiness, a strong emphasis is placed on math and science skills beginning with numbers, shapes, and interesting topics including weather, animals and insects, plants, and various experiments.  Children are encouraged to explore and participate in all learning as learning is interactive.  Physical development and good healthy eating habits are emphasized in physical education activities and nutritional guidance.  The development of large and small motor skills are promoted through organized and selective activities.  Children are encouraged to use their imaginations through dramatic play and creative art.

At OLDN, children are taught Bible stories and prayers.  Preschoolers and Kindergarteners attend chapel once a week where the OLDN chaplain encourages them to sing and participate in interactive Bible learning.  Parents are welcome to attend.

The curriculum at OLDN exceeds the basic standard recommendations as our philosophy is in agreement with the latest brain-based educational research that Early Childhood, birth-age 6, is where great learning takes place.  What a child learns in these years remains with them a lifetime!  Every child deserves a great beginning!